Readers of Tom Philpott's Military Update column sound off.

Support For Wounded Soldier Who ‘Suffered Enough' 

Hooray for Rep. Jeff Miller, who came to the aid of Army Spc. Daniel "Joey" Haun, who has suffered enough for his unit and his country.

He should be discharged at once or assigned to non-combat duty. Otherwise, his disabilities might lead to further wounds or his being unable to perform strenuous duties, such as carrying 60-to-100 pound packs or carrying or dragging a wounded buddy.

If he could not pass a fitness test to enter the Army, why should he be required to finish eight more months of his enlistment?

Obviously, the physician who approved his redeployment to Iraq had not heard of the need to have the case go before a medical evaluation board
for review. Perhaps he thought that would happen automatically. What really bothers me, though, is why he would approve redeployment of someone with several disabilities.

Perhaps he has never been in Army combat situations or seen enough combat movies. Perhaps he has been told to favor redeployments when in doubt. Perhaps the Department of Veterans Affairs should be involved in very doubtful cases.

STAN JENKINS
Via e-mail

Let the warrior rest.  Joey has gone beyond the call of duty. Let him get his disability [rating]; he has earned it.

I suggest that the "doctor" who cleared him for active duty have his license and education reevaluated. And not just give a skin deep review. Require another profession, like trash collector.

JIM MARTIN
Via e-mail

If that kid was in my platoon or squad I would have to find a way that he is not on the ground. I already have one soldier with a messed up shoulder from basic. When he lifts things his shoulder can pop out of place.

You would not expect a soldier like Haun who had his ears blown out and his wrist shattered to still be able to do his job. He can't lift or heave things so I know already he could not save my live if I was hurt.  He also might not hear someone calling out commands.

Yes, his father is right, the military does have some screws loose and his son is going to be half the soldier he used to be. Send this kid home and let him get out of the Army.

Staff Sergeant
U.S. Army

Soon after Military Update distributed its story about Specialist Haun and his frustration at being cleared medically for return to his infantry unit and redeployment to Iraq this fall, Haun was notified by his company commander that he would be separated from service on schedule later this year.  – Tom Philpott.

Helping Vets

I work as a Veteran Service Officer and find that many individuals coming back from Iraq fail to report their injuries or problems because they have seen so many of their fellow enlisted members who have sought help in the military get kicked out.

I currently am working with an individual who was in the Marines. During his second tour in Iraq, he sought help for problems with sleep loss, depression and anxiety. Once back in the states he tried to commit suicide. He was given a general discharge for medical condition not related to service.

This young man never had these health issues or conditions prior to his enlistment. Luckily his mother's friend knew of our office and urged him to come in to see if we could help.

But how many returned Servicemembers do not know what to do or who to contact?  Do they show up on a report of injured individuals? Not likely.

CRYSTAL B.
Via e-mail

Understanding New GI Bill

I re-enlisted a year ago. I am a regular soldier, an infantryman, deployed here in Iraq. I have 12-and-half years of service.

Before reenlisting for an indefinite period I kept asking the retention NCO if I could enroll in the GI BILL. He told me I am only offered that opportunity once, in basic training, when declined to enroll. I regret that.

I am reading about the new GI Bill. My big question is can I enroll?

JOSEPH P. RAMOS
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Via e-mail

Your post-9/11 service will qualify you automatically for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  You need not enroll.  Benefits are scheduled to become available Aug. 1, 2009. – T.P.

Regarding the new GI Bill, what are the restrictions on the stipend for housing? Are you required to live on campus?

NICHOLAS R. LINGO
Via e-mail

No. Payment will match Basic Allowance for Housing payable within the area of the college to a married enlisted member in pay grade E-5.  You must be at least a "half-time" student to qualify for the living allowance but it doesn't matter whether you apply the payment to board on campus or to live off campus. – T.P.

Will the new GI Bill provide benefits for a recent military retiree with more than six years of active service since 9/11?  Also, if eligible, would such a retiree be allowed to transfer benefits to dependents?

DON PERKINS
Via e-mail

Anyone with 90 consecutive days of active duty service since 9/11 will be eligible for some benefits and 36 months of active service secure full benefits under the new Webb GI Bill, even if you have since retired. The exception would be if you already had used benefits under Montgomery GI Bill. The law doesn't allow double benefits so any months of MGIB used would reduce the number of months of Post-9/11 benefits available.

The transferability feature is more restrictive.  It will only be available to members on active duty or in drill status on Aug. 1, 2009.  Also to qualify to transfer benefits to family, a member must have served at least six years already and agree to serve at least four more. – T.P.

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions on the New GI Bill.

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com.